CHARLOTTE — The annual diocesan collection to fund the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Plan will be taken up in all parishes the weekend of Sept. 20-21.
This collection provides for the future pension and retiree health benefits of the 152 priests from our diocese, other dioceses and religious order priests serving the Church in western North Carolina. An additional 25 retired priests benefit from this collection. In addition, there are 15 priests who will be eligible for retirement within the next five years.
In his annual letter announcing the collection, Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., recalled the prophet Ezekiel’s call to find and walk with the lost, the weak and the injured (Ez 34:11-16):
“That is the sacred work of our priests – not just in their early ministry, but throughout their lives, even in retirement,” he wrote. “All our priests, including those who have retired, remain In Service to All, continuing to share Christ’s love with the faithful.”
He urged parishioners to “think of a time a priest made a difference in your life. I can think of many who have guided me with compassion, wisdom and faith. These men have given their lives in service to us. Now, they need our prayers, our gratitude – and our support.”
Contributions will help fund the Diocese of Charlotte Priests Pension Trust, the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Priests Health Plan Trust, and the retirement programs of the religious orders and other dioceses that are providing priests to serve in our parishes.
The goal for the priests’ retirement and benefits collection for 2026 is $2,080,000.
The goal is comprised of: 78% for pension contributions to diocesan priests’ retirement plans and retirement benefits expenses for retired diocesan priests’ health plans; 17% for pension contributions for religious order priests’ retirement plans; 2% for administrative fees; and 3% for fundraising costs.
The amount assessed each parish is 3% of its annual offertory income.
Many people contribute to this collection during the offertory at Mass, but people can also give online, mail in their donations or drop them off at their parish office.
— Trish Stukbauer
Donate online
Go to your parish’s website if your parish offers online giving, or give online at www.charlottediocese.org/donate (click on “Priests’ Retirement & Benefits Collection”). Gifts made through the diocesan website will be credited to your parish.